APRIL IS ONE of the best months of the year…while we get some occasional April showers, we usually have some of the best weather of the year. Most of the big new shows have opened and are settling in nicely, there is a healthy convention calendar, and all of the pools have been opened at all of the resorts. The bikini is back, and scantily clad women are enjoying the brilliant sunlight and getting a start on their summer tans—spring breakers are everywhere, Easter is just around the corner, and the entertainment is great.

The world is still in flux. We have just passed the four-year mark on the war on terrorism in Iraq…four years…and there seems to be no end in sight. People seem to be going about their normal routines, and the daily fear of terrorism has waned back to almost non-existence. As I watch the nightly news and read the papers, though, it seems as if soldiers are still dying everyday—three soldiers here, four more there, seven over the weekend…another attack and another and another…the reason for our being there continues to get more and more blurry. Is our world truly safer because of our involvement in Iraq? But I digress…

The Best of Las Vegas Awards have just come out. There are usually two winners in each category—one chosen by the readers and one chosen by the staff of our city's daily paper. "Mystère" and "Love" were chosen as the best production shows, Celine Dion and Prince as the best all-around performers, Rita Rudner and Triumph the insult comedy dog as best comedians, and Lance Burton and Mac King as best magicians. Best showgirls went to "Jubilee!" and "Le Femme," best singer went to Celine Dion and Clint Holmes, best male strip show went to "Chippendale's" and "Thunder From Down Under," best bargain show went to Mac King and "Le Rêve," and the best choreography went to "Hairspray" and "Celine Dion: A New Day." Good picks, but…I think the best production show is "Le Rêve." George Wallace should be included in the best comedian category. Penn & Teller certainly deserve a nod as best magicians, "Folies Bergere" has some of the best showgirls, Barry Manilow is one of the best singers, and "The Fashionistas" should have taken best choreography. There should also be a category for best small show…that would be a tougher category to choose a winner in. Top nods should go to "Menopause," "V," and "Forever Plaid."

There was another feather in the cap for entertainers, as the Best Cocktail service went to the Bevertainers at the Rio for the second year in a row. These servers are entertainers that get up during their shifts and sing and dance for patrons in the casino. Their presence certainly changes the face of cocktail service in our town.

And speaking of "Forever Plaid," it has just closed its doors at the Gold Coast. It is a show that will truly be missed. I do hope to see it return (maybe in a slightly different form) in the future. Comic Legend, Marty Allen will be coming into the room in the middle of the month. He's 85 and still going strong.

The Vegas Grand Prix is running its inaugural race Apr. 6th to 8th. The Vegas Grand Prix is a three-day festival of speed, which will include concerts by superstar artists, extreme sports demonstrations, a celebrity poker tournament and, of course, numerous automobile races through the streets of downtown Las Vegas including the 2007 season opener of the Champ Car World Series.

The Vegas Grand Prix will take place in a downtown Las Vegas circuit, which will be a 2.44-mile, 12-turn temporary street circuit. The circuit will encompass a route that circumnavigates World Market Center, Fremont Street and the downtown casinos. It is scheduled to be the season opening event for the 2007 Champ Car World Series. All of the Downtown areas will be a complete mess during this event—severe street closures and detours await all that want to venture to this event. It's the first time it's ever been done here…and they will certainly learn a lot for future events.

One of my long time favorite shows, The Scintas, will be closing its doors at the Sahara in the middle of May. The Scintas have been a cornerstone group in Las Vegas for about seven years. They have been good for the industry and good citizens of Las Vegas. It will be a shame to see them go. They will be in Atlantic City for two-weeks after they close down here, but no word of them after that.

Replacing them at the Sahara will be "Matsuri," the number one show in Japan. The "muscle musical" played for a short run at the Riviera last year. It is an amazing production that needs to be seen.

And the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) hits Las Vegas this month. It is the largest gathering in the country. Around 150,000 people are expected to attend, and it will be filled with celebrities and attractions.

The Clark County Fair & Rodeo is at Clark County Fairgrounds Apr 12th to 15th. The Fair had its beginning back in 1965. Known as the Moapa Valley Fair, it was held at the Overton Community Center. Compared to the present day fair, this first fair was small in size. Nevertheless, it had all the flavor and elements of a good old county fair. From this simple beginning, the Moapa Valley Fair became an annual event. Each year new attractions were added, such as a carnival midway, junior livestock show, and a rodeo. Throughout the seventies and early eighties, the fair took place at various locations in the community such as the local park, churches and schools. Each location lacked some key elements necessary to house the ever growing and popular fair. In 1997 due to the ever so popular Rodeo, the fair once again changed its name. Now known as the Clark County Fair & Rodeo over 70,000 patrons come to the fair every spring. It has been the combined work and efforts of many volunteers that have developed and managed the Fair and successfully produced an old-fashioned, family-oriented fair for so many people to enjoy. With a part-time staff of four, and over 500 volunteers working together, we pledge to continue to bring this flavor and fun to each and every Fair!

Prince is flaky…what can you say? He took control of the showroom at the Rio a few months ago and performs there on Fridays and Saturdays. He seemed to get tired of it quickly and announced his departure at the end of March…well; he's decided to stay for one more month. The man is very talented…but he is a flake—how many names has he gone through?

"Spamalot" has opened to great reviews at the Wynn.

"Le Rêve" makes its return to the entertainment scene after having undergone a major overhaul. I look forward to seeing it again.

"Stomp Out Loud" has opened at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood.

Roseanne Barr continues to play her "All You Can Eat Comedy Tour" at New York-New York through the end of the month.

Delisco has just released his new self-titled CD. Delisco won the reality show competition, "The Entertainer" and played the Hilton for a short while. He's extremely talented, and the CD is great. It is available at www.delisco.com.

Matt Dusk is also releasing a CD.

As I said…April is a great time to be here.

The first week of headliners include:

Elton John—The Red Piano
Caesars Palace Apr 3rd to the 8th

Chris Tofield
Mandalay Bay Apr 4th with a Free concert

Sevendust w/ Red, Diecast & Invirto
Mandalay Bay on the 4th

USA Wrestling
Las Vegas Convention Center the 4th to the 7th

Brand New w/ Kevin Devine & Manchester Orchestra
Mandalay Bay on the 5th

Psychic Marlene Lombardi
Sunset Station on the 5th

UFC Fight Night 9
Palms Casino on the 5th

Dennis Miller
Orleans Hotel the 6th to the 8th

Rain, a Tribute to the Beatles
Suncoast Hotel the 6th to the 8th

The Yardbirds
Cannery Casino on the 6th

Josh Groban
MGM Grand April 7th


The Second week has:

Steve Tyrell
Golden Nugget the 12th to the 14th

The Temptations
Orleans Hotel the 12th to the 15th

Brian Culbertson
Santa Fe Station Hotel Casino on the 13th

Frankie Avalon
Suncoast Hotel the 13th to the 15th

George Thorogood and the Destroyers w/ Blackbird 45
Mandalay Bay on the 13th

Jay Leno
Mirage the 13th & 14th

Jim Gaffigan
Mandalay on the 13th

The Lon Bronson Band
Cannery Casino on the 13th and it's Free

Morris Day & the Time
Boulder Station the 13th & 14th

Tony Bennett
Las Vegas Hilton on the 13th & 14th

Heartland & Chris Young
Santa Fe Station on the 14th

Reba McEntire
Buffalo Bill's Resort in Primm on the 14th

The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Cannery Casino on the 14th


The third week of April includes:

FEI World Cup: Jumping & Dressage
Thomas & Mack Center Apr 18, 2007–Apr 22, 2007 Tickets are $150–$1000 for this Equestrian Event.

Five for Fighting w/ Chantal Kreviazuk
Mandalay Bay Apr 18, 2007

Craig Ferguson
Orleans Hotel Apr 20, 2007–Apr 22, 2007

Eddie Money
Boulder Station Apr 20, 2007

Howie Mandel
MGM Grand Apr 20, 2007–May 2, 2007

Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz and R&B Festival
Hills Park | Northwest/Summerlin Apr 20, 2007–Apr 21, 2007

Mary Wilson of the Supremes
Golden Nugget Apr 20, 2007–Apr 21, 2007

Pure Aloha Festival & Concert
Cannery Casino & Hotel Apr 20, 2007–Apr 22, 2007

Stone Sour w/ Lacuna Coil, Shadows Fall and Six
Mandalay Bay Apr 20, 2007

Gwen Stefani
Palms Casino Resort Apr 21, 2007

Jason Michael Carroll
Santa Fe Station Apr 21, 2007


The fourth week has:

Placebo
Mandalay Bay Apr 26, 2007

Sesame Street Live—Elmo Makes Music
Cox Pavilion Apr 26, 2007–Apr 29, 2007

Fall Out Boy
Palms Casino Apr 27, 2007

Jay Leno
Mirage Apr 27, 2007–Apr 28, 2007

LeAnn Rimes
Luxor Hotel Apr 27, 2007–Apr 28,

Mr. Black Las Vegas Contest
Palace Station Apr 27, 2007–Apr 29, 2007

Richard Marx
Orleans Hotel Apr 27, 2007–Apr 29, 2007

Sawyer Brown & Bucky Covington
Boulder Station Apr 27, 2007

Taylor Dayne
Suncoast Hotel Apr 27, 2007–Apr 29, 2007

The Decemberists
Mandalay Bay Apr 27, 2007

Alan Parsons Live Project
Boulder Station Apr 28, 2007

Boogie Wars Urban Dance Competition
Cashman Center Apr 28, 2007

Isaac Hayes
Texas Station Gambling Apr 28, 2007

Stephen Marley w/ "Jr. Gong" & K'Naan
Mandalay Bay Apr 28, 2007

Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards
Cannery Casino Apr 28, 2007

The Smithereens—A Beatles Tribute
Sunset Station Apr 28, 2007


And the last part of April, and going into May has:

San Gennaro Feast
Grand Canyon Shopping Center May 2, 2007–May 6, 2007

Boyz II Men
Orleans Hotel May 3, 2007–May 6, 2007

Kenny Chesney w/ Pat Green & Sugaland
Mandalay Bay May 3, 2007–May 4, 2007

Moenia
Mandalay Bay May 3, 2007

Tom Jones
MGM Grand May 3, 2007–May 9, 2007

Ray Romano
Mirage May 4, 2007–May 5, 2007

Ambrosia
Boulder Station May 5, 2007

Atomic Punks—Van Halen Tribute
Santa Fe Station Hotel May 5, 2007

Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Fremont Street Experience May 5, 2007 Free

Floyd Mayweather, Jr vs. Oscar De La Hoya
MGM Grand May 5, 2007 $150–$2000

Gary Allan
Sunset Station May 5, 2007